The farm lives on chuckle time.  Get out to the barn early because the Chuckles want to get out of their coop.  Go out to the barn for the very last time at sundown because the Chuckles have finally taken themselves to their coop!  Fill up the bird feeder to overflowing.  Hurry!  They are watching from across the lawn—waiting for some sunflower seeds to spill out onto the ground.

Be very sure there is straw in the horse feed buckets mounted in the corners of the stalls.  It cannot be said this PFO does not have proper bedding prepared for them to lay their eggs.   Oh, yes, the horse troughs must always be filled to the rim.  These chuckles like to take their sips of cool water from the horse troughs.  These are small troughs, so the girls are able to stretch over the tops to quench their thirst.

No feed in these horse feeding buckets—is full of fresh straw for the chuckles!

These busy, happy girls makes everyone chuckle!

They roam all around the farm, yard, fields and roads, come into the garage, and one time found their way in a neighbors fenced (with box-wire!) yard.  They even stop traffic!  It has been suggested a “Chicken Crossing” sign be posted on the driveway.  Despite all this “trouble”, these gentle, sweet birds give this family gifts everyday.  Their sweet voices, funny antics, and of course the most delicious eggs ever tasted!

Oh dear!  Twilight is falling, the farm has drifted into a peaceful, dreamy evening, and this PFO has not put those Chuckles in!  Gotta go……

Heading to their coop for the night.

Time off in springtime is a rare thing here at Blue Rock Horses & Farm.  Everything in the yard, garden and field is growing in earnest.  As soon as it is trimmed, cut or removed, more has grown in its place!  It is wonderful, though overwhelming at times.

We have spent the last month or more in reclaiming our fields overgrown with unwanted weeds, and vines—too many, and they are moving slowly and steadily out into the fields.  This job calls for brute strength, and excellent knowledge in running the tractor and bush hog.  So this PFO hired out help.  She knows when the job is bigger than her.  So she hired one of her sons.  He lives the nearest and was willing to work this tough job.

He knows how to run the equipment.  He puts the “hurtin’s” on all that over-growth!

‘It can be done and he can do it!’

We are not finished, but have put a good dent in this job.  And by the time it is completed, we will have measurable field re-opened for the livestock.  Grateful, and thankful are incompetent words for the work being done by this ‘hired hand!’ It is amazing what he can do both with machinery and in day’s work!

He got so far back in the overgrowth, it is hard to see him or the tractor!

Reclaimed land from awful over-growth.

By the end of the day, a whole pile of brush was pushed on a pile, burned and—GONE!

It did not take long for this brush to burn down.

By the end of the day, it was gone!

Next day, the cattle were rolling in the ashes!  Guess the ashes were not hot!

Some decisions this PFO makes out here at Blue Rock Horses & Farm are easier and more fun to make than others.  The cheerful sunshine, and huge cotton ball clouds suspended in the azure sky could not be refused today.  The outside office called,  there was Deere work to be done.  The rains were over and gone.

The Deere had a job to do.

Choosing to be outside on the tractor or inside cleaning bathrooms on this made-to-order day was easy!  Compost needed turning, both piles.  There are two piles out in the corner of the field.  One is ready to use, the other is still ‘cooking’.  Several wild turkeys have been seen excitedly  running over the piles gobbling up (pun intended!) chunky grubs, and wriggling earthworms. The chuckles have yet to make their way out to those compost piles.  They have enough near the barn.

The composting piles are in far corner of upper field.

The manure, straw, hay, and lime have been worked into rich, dark compost.

It has been said that dirt is what gets under the fingernails, and soil is what one plants in.  The Deere had aplenty of dirt in it’s “fingernails”, aka the tire treads, which required a cleaning.  This meant the next job was spraying off the tractor.  Taking good care of equipment is a must.  And besides that, there is no way that filthy Deere would be allowed to stand in this PFO’s barn!  Happy spring gardening!

Every woman needs one.  A tool purse that is.  What exactly is a tool purse?  It is a tool pouch that belongs exclusively to a gal, thus the word “purse” instead of  “pouch”, which, of course, indicates it belongs to a man.  Why, you are thinking, do you need your own tool purse?  At the risk of this PFO sounding slightly impudent, “Seriously?”  How long has a search been in looking for a hammer just to hang one little picture?   That could be very nearly a whole days work out here on the farm!

These wonderful little needle-nose pliers were easy to find—they were in the tool purse!

When replacing the blown nightlight in this salt crystal lamp, one could hear singing floating out the windows this morning.  Knowing where the necessary tools and equipment were makes repair work worth singing over!

Your tool purse is an important part of who you are.  Be sure to pick the one right for you!

There are basic tools that are a must for this special purse.  Here is a grand idea!  Mothers’s Day is coming up.  Ask for something fun, functional, purposeful, and the men in your life will be super happy to shop for it!  Ask for a tool purse.  Be sure to ask for: a flat screwdriver, a Phillips screwdriver, needle-nose pliers, measuring tape (retractable),  adjustable wrench, pliers, flashlight, wire cutters, pocket knife.  There may even be some fun, extra tool stuff they think you need to have!

Various sizes of the same tool will serve various needs.

Here is another fun idea to make your tool purse extra special.  Ask for some ‘hand-me-down’ tools from your dad, granddad, uncle, or an old friend.  One risks life and limb to dare touch the beautiful old wooden hammer in this PFO’s purse that once belonged to her dear Father-in-Law.

Grandad’s hammer is pictured here on the right.  The adjustable pliers, and wooden-handle flat head screwdriver were his as well.

Allen wrenches, tape measure, a level, and screwdrivers of all sizes are essential.

Many times small tools are given away for promotional purposes.  Keep them, they are fun, useful, and often have interesting memories to go with them.

These were promotional tools.

One thing to remember to do—HIDE YOUR TOOL PURSE!!  Once it is known where the tool stash is, it will never be the same.  When all the men in your family cannot find theirs, they will ‘borrow’ yours—for your sanity, and getting your jobs done— hide it!  🙂

A special Thank You goes out to Kay Acker.  She coined the fun name ‘Tool Purse’ from our working days at our Tag-Along Farm in Clifton Forge, Virginia.

It has been for several weeks.  However, the last frost date here in our area is May 15th.  A date most folks around here do not like to mention, much less think about.  It is what it is.  This PFO enjoys the long winter nights and cold days.  One can always put on more cloths to stay warm, but how does one take off more cloths when the temperatures are boiling hot??

This crewelwork was a high school graduation gift over forty years ago.

At any rate, it is a relief to have time off from all the outside work of flower gardens, vegetable gardens, dandelions, and weeding, weeding and more weeding.  So, just how do farmers spend those long winter nights?  For most of the PFO’s life, including the younger years, long evenings were spend in front of the television with a piece of crewelwork in hand.  To just sit in front of the television was a waste of time, so the hands were occupied for those long evening hours.

Detail of work.

Thread was wool, stitched on linen fabric.

This crewelwork has a long history.  It was begun over forty-two years ago in front of the television on those long, contemplative winter nights by this PFO’s older sister.  It was to be given as a high school graduation gift.  Indeed it was given—only it was not finished!  It took another twenty years for this PFO to complete stitching it, and another twenty-plus years before it was finally completed and hung with great joy on the wall of this home here at Blue Rock Horses & Farm.

It has a beautiful array of stitch work.

Even this frame has an interesting history, for it was given, in passing, by an old, delightful black gentleman in Millwood, Virginia to this PFO one day many years ago.  He held it high in his hand and called, with an enchanting smile,”Would you like this frame?”  The answer is obvious.

The colors are vibrant and cheerful.

And so, today, it is finally on the wall.  Funny how sweetly certain things can elicit a warm memory and smile.

The frame has an interesting story all by itself.

It is finally on the wall.  What sweet memories it evokes.

You are invited to come take a look at this long-to-take finished project!  Please phone first though.  It is spring-time and now this PFO is under a pile of weeds!

Is there much better than a fresh Spring day with the warm,  friendly sun shining happily and a gentle breeze?    Most especially when there are clothes to put out on the line.  The sun is so polite.  It never criticizes the shape or faded color of these old farm clothes.  It simply shines warmly and brightly on them without discrimination.  They flap joyfully in the breeze and smell like Heaven when dried.

The sun and breeze dries the clothes in a hurry.

‘How simplistic’ some may think.  Perhaps so,  though this PFO has heard some sweet remarks from this simple job.  “I felt at home when I saw the clothes on the line,”  was one recent remark here at the new farm.  Years ago when one of the now grown sons was visiting in France for a month, as a teenager, wrote in his journal he ‘missed seeing Mom hanging clothes on the line.’  Golly!  Who would have ever thought that?

There are two things this PFO has noticed traveling up and down this Shenandoah Valley over the past 30 years that have decidedly disappeared.  One is a vegetable garden, the other is the old clothes line.  These seem to be lost to ‘modern’ times.  Here at Blue Rock Horses & Farm, they are considered parts of a healthy lifestyle and are banked into the ‘good health and well-being’ accounts.   It is part of being a good steward, working together with the land, sun, and weather to the benefit of all.  Besides all  that—it is fun!

Enjoy the dance of the sun, wind and clothes!

All the chuckles are laying eggs these warm spring days to the delight of this PFO (Primary Farm Operator).  Everyday is a learning day with these interesting, fun birds.  The first few times they laid in the horse feed buckets securely attached in the corners of the stalls.  After bringing in a fresh supply of hay, the nesting area was moved in a cozy spot in the hay bales.  How is this hay ever to be used?  Who would dare to upset the nesting area?

At first they laid in the horse feed buckets attached to the corners of the stalls.

With the new load of hay, a cozy nest was built in a quiet corner of the stacked hay.

Most of them lay in that beautifully made nest, though once or twice a egg has been found in the coop.  Indeed they do ‘sing their egg laying song’ after getting off the nest. At times they are downright noisy!  They are chatty, curious critters.  The dogs have learned to leave them alone.  Now they go after the feed!  Apparently the only feed needed here at Blue Rock Horses & Farm is chicken feed!

They are so still and quiet while sitting on the nest.  A couple times another is waiting for the space, she will get impatient and just go sit on top of the chicken on the nest!  She will even get pecked by the impatient hen.  Ever quiet she remains.  She has a job to do.  Miss Impatience gives up and leaves.  She returns in due time and deposits her little treasure there in the same nest.

They sit so still and quiet on their nest and watch the activity in the barn.

These chuckles run free around the barn.  They have good hiding in the overgrown fence line nearby.  The horses, cows and dogs are accustomed to their presence.  To stand quietly, watching the little hens on the nests, listening to the horses eating hay, and watching a tiny mouse scurry across the sunlit floor for a bit of cracked corn has a gentle sense of peace, and order, and wonder that is difficult to describe.  This is life on the farm.

They have good hiding places in the brush along the fence row.

But you can’t make him drink’.  This old adage is probably known by every horseman around.  It has consumed life out here at Blue Rock Horses & Farm over the past nine days.  We have been “leading our BR to water” nearly everyday since he choked badly last Tuesday morning while eating his grain.

‘You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink’.  Nor eat for that matter.

Having a senior horse is tricky.  Just like the ‘old dog who won’t learn a new trick’, senior horses will not be told what to do!  So do a good job of handling your horses before they become seniors.  BR was foaled over twenty-nine years ago on Mom’s farm.  He has been with us his whole life, and what a good life he has had. This PFO inherited him and three other Littles over two years ago.  Retirement has been good to him.

BR & his momma.  He was foaled on mom’s farm over 29 years ago.

This past week though has been tough on him.  The veterinarian came out three straight days in a row.  Dr. Rhode and Dr. Jordan from Clarke Equine Wellness & Performance were professional and polite in handling BR.  Their assistant, Tracy, was excellent as well.  There is always much to learn from a good vet.  The biggest worry was pneumonia.  Since he could breath (though it sounded like air going through a water balloon), the first visit was four shots and instructions for this frazzled PFO.  A severely choking horse is a fright to see.  Stay calm, quiet,and collected in manner and tone.  Stay very observant to horse’s condition and actions, which is a huge help when the vet arrives.  Know how to take the temperature of the horse, and write it down.  Though he has choked before, this time was severe.  He was in obvious distress.

The following morning began with no improvement over the saliva draining from both nostrils. Drainage from one side or both sides is another important thing to note to the vet, Dr. Rhode instructed us,  as it indicates location of material stuck in throat. The second visit, BR was tubed, and the obstruction flushed down into his stomach.  Wow. A remarkable procedure to witness.  The doctor described how it was done so well, that the understanding helped with the anxiety.   Third visit was more shots, and medications for us to administer in the days following.

So, how is little BR nine days later?  Improving steadily everyday.  One thing for sure—a horse will eat and drink when he is ready and not before, dang it!!

He is improving steadily.

There are advantageous to getting well—grazing outside of the pastures!  

Last two months have sure been odd as far as weather goes.  It seems February traded with March and visa versa.  Right now there is 4-5″ of cold, blowing snow out here at Blue Rock Horses & Farm and ice is on the driveway.  While windows were open for fresh air all night on several nights in February!  Trees were starting to bloom far too early.  That has surely slowed down during these past several very cold days and nights.  This morning broke at 17^ with very gusty, cold winds.

The cattle all ready and waiting for feed.

Needless to say the barn animals were very happy to hear the dogs happily barking for breakfast and lights coming from the house.  They know they are next in line for food.  So with extra grain for the cattle and loads of extra hay for everyone, we enjoyed our snowy morning feeding.

 Waiting and watching.

Earning their trust takes patience, and time.

Now it is time for this PFO (and the husband who is taking these pics!) to eat.

Vermiculture, just one more little thing going out here at Blue Rock Horses & Farms.  Have any idea what that is?  Worms.  Plain and simple, composting with worms.  Red wigglers specifically.  Eisenia fetida is their official scientific name.  Known to most everyone as the lowly little earthworm.  What a giant of a critter it is!  Talk about being a good (no, GREAT) steward of this earth, these guys win the prize!

This PFO is just a beginner in this new adventure, but has already learned to appreciate the worms and the great value they have in land, soil, gardening, compost, waste management, etc, etc.  The list seems to go on and on as more is learned about them.

Separating the castings from the red wrigglers.  See the little worm just under the left side of stick? 

Black gold.  Thought it was oil in Texas?  Yep, so did this greenhorn—NOT.  It is the castings the worms give that is the real black gold.  The castings are actually the poop of the worms.  What a powerhouse of goodness it offers to those that are interested in improving their gardens, soil, plants, and compost piles.  It naturally fertilizes the soil.  It leaves chemical fertilizer incompetent for the nutrients it offers.  All this goodness from feeding kitchen scraps to the lowly worm!

First harvest of ‘black gold’.

The first harvest was taken this week. The learning curve over.  Next time will go faster and smoother, so as not to stress the worms.   A book that is full of fun, interesting and helpful information is, The Worm Book-The Complete Guide to Gardening and Composting with Worms, by Loren Nancarrow and Janet Hogan Taylor.

There are so many fascinating options open to the vermicomposter and worm farming.  For now, one big bucket has been worked into the garden.  This is going to be a fun adventure.  Ever heard of anyone ‘talking’ to their worms?  Make a visit out here to Blue Rock Horses & Farm, you may overhear this happy, worm farming PFO saying, “Good Morning, Wormies!”

This bucket of nature’s fertilizer was worked into the garden.

 Red wrigglers gently set into their new home to work their magic again!